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Billionaire Profile
Samuel Tak Lee
Global Rank
#1029

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Samuel Tak Lee

CEO, Prudential Enterprise Limited
HK
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.8B
As of December 2025
Age
86
Source
Real estate
Industry
real-estate
Citizenship
HK

Biography

Samuel Tak Lee, a prominent figure in the real estate sector, is a Hong Kong-born billionaire with an estimated net worth of $3.8 billion. His wealth primarily stems from his extensive real estate holdings and development ventures. Lee, at 86 years old, is the Chairman of Prudential Enterprise Limited. His career highlights include building a global property empire, with holdings in Hong Kong, London, Tokyo, and Geneva, and major philanthropic contributions, notably a $118 million donation to MIT to establish a real estate entrepreneurship lab. Lee is known for his strategic investments, including the purchase of the Langham Estate in London and his significant stake in Shaftesbury PLC. His business philosophy focuses on long-term investments and diversification across global markets.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Samuel Tak Lee was born in April 1939 in Guangdong Province, China, and grew up in Hong Kong. He received his early education at Diocesan Boys' School. Lee moved to the United States to pursue higher education, earning Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1964. He furthered his education by earning an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Rise to Success

After completing his studies, Lee returned to Hong Kong to join his family's real estate company, Prudential Enterprise Limited, founded in 1958. Under Lee's leadership, the company expanded beyond Hong Kong into international markets. By 1985, he took full control and transformed the company into a global real estate powerhouse.

Key Business Strategies

Lee's financial strategy focuses on long-term investments, stability, and diversification across global markets. He is known for acquiring undervalued properties and unlocking their potential. Key acquisitions include the Langham Estate in London in 1994, and a real estate portfolio in Tokyo established in 1999.

Philanthropy

Beyond business, Samuel Tak Lee is known for his philanthropic efforts. In 2015, he donated $118 million to MIT to establish the Samuel Tak Lee Real Estate Entrepreneurship Lab. This initiative promotes ethical entrepreneurship and sustainable development. In 2007, he donated HK$9 million to Diocesan Boys' School in Hong Kong, funding a new dormitory block.

Career Milestones

1958

Joined Prudential Enterprise Limited

Joined the family real estate business.

1985

Took control of Prudential Enterprise Limited

Assumed leadership of the company, expanding its global presence.

1994

Acquired Langham Estate, London

Purchased the 14-acre Langham Estate in London.

1999

Established real estate portfolio in Tokyo

Expanded real estate holdings into the Japanese market.

2015

Donated $118 million to MIT

Established the Samuel Tak Lee Real Estate Entrepreneurship Lab.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Samuel Tak Lee Real Estate Entrepreneurship Lab

$118M

A real estate entrepreneurship lab focused on China at MIT.

Education

Donation to Diocesan Boys' School

$9M

Funded the construction of a new dormitory block.

Various

Tak Lee Charitable Trust

$40M+

Supports various causes and organizations.

Controversies & Challenges

2013

Divorce Settlement of Son

His son's divorce settlement, which involved a substantial payout to his ex-wife, received media attention.

2019

Lawsuit against Shaftesbury PLC

Sued Shaftesbury PLC for alleged losses due to the dilution of his stake.